How to write an application for the NAO

The NAO application process is made up of four stages: numerical reasoning test, competency questions, telephone interview and the assessment centre. This article will help you maximise your chances of overcoming the second stage - the competency questions.

The competency questions give you the opportunity to prove that you possess the key competencies necessary to perform in the role. You need to be able to:

• Analyse data to draw conclusions.
• Demonstrate sound judgement.
• Demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm and drive.
• Motivation to join the NAO.

On the form, you will need to give an example of a time when you have delivered each competency. These examples can come from your studies, work experience or any of your hobbies and interests.

Please note: While you may use AI tools to help polish the flow of your writing or check grammar and spelling, the competency questions must be answered by you personally. Your responses should reflect your own experiences, insights and motivations. The NAO is looking to understand you…not what AI generates. So make sure your examples and reasoning are authentic and genuinely yours.

Every application at the competency stage is read and reviewed by a human, not by machines or AI. We want to hear your story, in your own words.

In order to demonstrate your data analysis skills, you must show that you are able to process large quantities of data, spot patterns and present information in an easy to understand, concise manner. This is most likely to come from your academic work; for example, perhaps you had to collect and analyse data as part of your dissertation, or scientific project?

To show your ability to make sound judgement calls, you must be able to understand what is important, and what is trivial - making decisions based on evidence rather than expectations. Use an example of when you made a judgement call based on evidence and emphasise the effect that your decision had.

To emphasise these competencies, perhaps you could talk about how you persisted with a difficult task and came up with a solution, against the odds. For example, maybe you won funding for a university society, or came up with a unique way of boosting an event’s attendance.

After the key competency questions, you will be asked why you have chosen to apply for the role at the NAO. This question focuses on both the role and the NAO, so make sure that you talk about both. Reading through some financial audit reports and value for money reports may also help to give you a good idea about the work and its impact. If you met us at an event or careers fair, this would be a good time to mention something that you learned there. This area also provides a good chance to show off some knowledge of current affairs as our work is frequently referenced in the media.

It is important that you are comfortable with all of your answers, as they may come up at interview. Writing an application form can be a daunting process, as this is the first impression you will make, so take your time, and make sure you check it through.

With these top tips, hopefully your application can really stand out. It could be your first step towards gaining a graduate role at the NAO.

Best of luck!